Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has firmly rejected a reported comment by a leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh suggesting that followers of Islam should worship elements of nature such as the sun, rivers and trees to promote environmental care. According to Madani, the core Islamic belief in the oneness of God means that worship is due only to Allah, and no suggestion that appears to blur this fundamental principle reflects the teachings of Islam. The Siasat Daily
In a published statement, Madani stressed that India’s long history of Hindus and Muslims living side by side has been shaped by respect for each other’s faiths. He said that care for nature and the environment is important, but this concern should not be misconstrued as religious veneration of created elements, which would conflict with the theological principle of monotheism central to Islam. The Siasat Daily
Madani also expressed disappointment that senior figures making such remarks appear not to have accurately understood Islamic teachings. He emphasised that love for the land and efforts to protect the environment are consistent with Islamic values, but they must not be presented in a way that alters or dilutes the foundational belief in a single Creator. Telangana Today
The debate has underscored broader sensitivities around religious identity and symbolism in public discourse, particularly when environmental concerns are framed in ways that touch on deeply held beliefs.
